Main Points
  • Collins is in a battle during the Civil War
  • Collins wants a drink
  • He makes a foolish request to his higher ranking officers
  • Sees the well with water and house across the meadow that is being bombarded with bullets
  • Collins, for a brief moment, thinks of himself as a hero
  • The horseman who was injured in the beginning of the story begs for a drink. Collins gives him a drink
  • Higher ranking officers spill the bucket of water that Collins returned with
  • Collins doesn’t get any water

Literary Analysis Lens
Collins is a normal man put into a chaotic situation. He reacts foolishly to the situation, and makes somewhat childish demands. His peers encourage him to get the water and thus are a large cause in his imprudent behavior

Work Significance
The story focuses on the motives and actions of Fred Collins. It captures the emotions and thoughts of an average person put into a war. The story also challenges the reader to define a hero.

Reading Strategy
  • Visualization
  • Focus on Naturalism, or the portrayal of ordinary people and life</